Norwood City
Council
Council
Chambers
A) CALL TO ORDER
The Council for the City of Norwood met in regular session on the above date with Ms. Jane Grote presiding. The meeting opened with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance.
B) PRAYER
C) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
D) ROLL CALL
On roll call, the following members answered present: Mr. Gabbard, Mr. Sanker, Mr. Schneider, Mr. Moore, Mr. Barlow, and Mr. Mumper
E) AMENDMENT OF AGENDA
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to amend the agenda by adding Committee Report H-6), Ordinance J-C), and Communication O-7).
F) APPROVE MINUTES FROM:
November
7, 2006 – November 14, 2006 – November 28, 2006 – December 12, 2006 and
Mr.
Schneider asked how the minutes were prepared.
Clerk of Council, Mr. Brian Mumper, responded with details on the
process.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded
by Mr. Moore, it was moved to approve the
Minutes as if read. All members present voted YES.
G) requests to address council on agenda items
There were no requests to address Council.
H) REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL
1. Law & Ordinance RE: Sexual Predators
Mr.
Moore commented that Cincinnati has an Ordinance that is similar, but there are
a few differences, primarily Cincinnati’s version does not include parks as a
restriction and has grandfathered in current residents. There will be more information to come as we
continue to investigate.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
2. Law & Ordinance RE: Vacant Property
Mr.
Schneider noted that there is a considerable amount of vacant property in our
area we must be creative about addressing the issue. All property owners must be held to the same
standard. The Law Department will be
researching Ordinances from other communities and will go from there.
Mr.
Moore added that there is a vacant property tax in the City of Cincinnati where
fines become more significant the longer properties remain vacant. Funds generated are used, among other things,
for ultimate demolition if the problem persists. The issue with the enforcement is where to
draw the line. While some are absentee
landlords other property owners are actively, albeit unsuccessfully, pursuing
tenants.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
3. Law & Ordinance RE: Zoning Amendments
Mr.
Moore commented that in some cases the proposed changes are significant and
this will involve further discussion.
On a motion
by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
4. Law & Ordinance RE: Ward Boundaries
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to accept the
report and to send a letter to
the Law Department with a copy of the report.
All
members present voted YES.
5. Finance & Audit RE: 2007 Appropriations
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that while his signature does not appear on the committee
report due to an absence, he does endorse it and stands behind the Finance and
Audit Committee’s Report.
Mr.
Sanker noted that the Finance and Audit Committee is looking at a permanent
appropriation, but still not all financial needs will be covered. There are significant decisions to be made on
the funding of some efforts but explained that 90% of the City budget is pretty
static as it applies to salaries, benefits, retiree costs; another 5% covers
purchase of equipment, contractual requirements, insurance and other binding
expenses. This leaves approximately 5%
of the total City budget where we have some discretion. So while there are significant decisions to
be made, the majority of the Final Appropriations are spoken for and complete. The Appropriation on the agenda tonight
allows the City to pay current bills and immediate obligations. We will continue to meet with Department
Heads and see how they fit into the 5% that we have to make decisions on; for
those that can not be accommodated this year, they have a chance to be included
in the 5% in the budget of future years.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then
considered the following item:
6. Finance & Audit RE: 2007 Appropriations
On a motion by Mr. Moore,
seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to accept the
report. All members present voted YES.
I) SECOND READING OF ORDINANCES
A) ORDINANCE AMENDING ORDINANCES 73-1999, 4-2002, 6-2002, 4-2004 AND 5-2004, CHANGING THE METHOD OF DETERMINING THE RAISES AND COSTS OF LIVING INCREASES OF APPOINTED EMPLOYEES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore mentioned that this Ordinance adds a specific rate of increase to the
positions declared in the Ordinance and attachments. As mentioned previously this also corrects an
Ordinance that was on the books that allowed department heads the option of
granting a 5% raise plus a cost of living increase. Certainly in these tough times, and perhaps
at any time, this is excessive. That
particular Ordinance will be repealed and raises of that nature no longer be
permitted at the discretion of department heads.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved to suspend the
rules and
hear the second and third readings of the Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A PART-TIME TAX CLERK POSITION, WITHOUT BENEFITS IN THE CITY OF NORWOOD FOR THE REMAINDER OF CALENDAR YEAR 2007 AND THROUGH APRIL 30TH OF 2008, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Mumper commented that we had previously passed an Ordinance requiring mandatory
filings and we need to staff the department accordingly. Mr. Mumper added that the candidate for the
position is already familiar with the software and should be an incredible
assistance in preparing the department to handle the increased load.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the
rules
and hear the second and third reading of the ordinance. All members present
voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
J) INTRODUCTORY READING OF ORDINANCE
A) ORDINANCE TO MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE CURRENT EXPENSES AND OTHER EXPENDITURES OF THE CITY OF NORWOOD, OHIO DURING THE CALENDAR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2007
Mr. Sanker
noted that we need all three readings tonight in order to move forward. There are some items that we will need to
address in both the short and long term but this will keep current business
moving.
Mr.
Moore added that this simply provides funds for the items we know we will need
in the short term. We are still
receiving and considering requests from all department heads but there are
still significant unknowns. Mr. Moore
cited the additional funds possibly required for the completion of the Montgomery
Rd. realignment, the affect of mandatory filings, and emergency levy
questions. Before we purchase additional
items we need to complete the picture as best we can to assess and prioritize
unmet needs.
On a
motion by Mr. Sanker, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the rules
and hear
all three readings of the ordinance. All
members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
B) ORDINANCE PROVIDING RAISES FOR APPOINTED EMPLOYEES, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr.
Moore explained that this includes a specific pay rate for each position in
question while cleaning up some of the current structures in place. While this is a step in the right direction,
a more comprehensive employment policy is needed.
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to suspend the
rules
and hear all three readings of the ordinance.
All members present voted YES.
On a motion by Mr. Mumper,
seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to pass the
Ordinance. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then
considered the following item:
C) ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC SERVICE-SAFETY TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT UNDER THE STATE BID PURCHASE PROGRAM FOR THE PURCHASE OF FIVE (5) 2007 FORD CROWN VICTORIA CRUISERS OUTFITTED WITH THE PROPER SAFETY EQUIPMENT FOR USE BY THE NORWOOD POLICE DIVISION, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY
Mr. Sanker
noted that since the members of the Finance and Audit Committee are the only
ones who have the details for this purchase a first reading is
appropriate.
Mr.
Schneider asked Mayor Williams to provide some details on the Expedition. Mayor Williams answered that the Expedition
is used as a supervisor’s vehicle and carries additional equipment. The current vehicle is approximately 10 years
old.
Mr.
Mumper added that according to the report from the Police Department the
current Expedition is a 1998 model with 130,000 miles.
Mr.
Sanker added that the Finance Committee has been discussing the need for a plan
that would include a rotation for replacing Police vehicles. The plan proposed by the Police Department
calls for the replacement of five cruisers this year. It is unclear whether or not we can purchase
all five, but we have to replace some and must act quickly in order to take
advantage of the State Bid program. We
have several options for funding these cruisers. Mr. Sanker asked Council members to consider
this and come back to the next meeting with suggestions for how many to
purchase and suggestions for funding.
Mayor
Williams added that in addition to this need other departments need equipment
replaced as well, most notably Public Works.
We certainly need equipment but have to prioritize all needs. It was his understanding that the funding of
at least some of the cruisers must be passed tonight in order to meet the
deadline of the State Bid program.
After
discussion, Mr. Mumper determined from the attached quote that the deadline for
the State Bid program is February 28th and Council will meet in
regular session once again before this must be passed. Mayor Williams noted that he had just
received information that the February 28th date is accurate.
On a
motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Sanker, it was moved to hear the first
reading
of the Ordinance. All members present
voted YES.
K) ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
Mayor
Williams was present and mentioned that he attended the Service League Dinner
honoring Ms. Helen Jaspers for her years of service. Mayor Williams mentioned it was a great event
and also thanked Ms. Jaspers for her dedication to the City.
Mayor
Williams mentioned that there have been several drug investigations in the last
few weeks and several ongoing. Last week
alone, warrants were issued and 17 arrests were made and the operation was
deemed largely successful. Some of the
conditions around these arrests were very disturbing.
Mayor
Williams also mentioned that there has been an incident that came up recently
that will have you shaking your head. An
employee that left here for another job and was subsequently let go from that
employment, is filing unemployment with the City of Norwood and it has been
granted. Mr. Kiser is looking into
filing an appeal. This just doesn’t seem
right and we will pursue this aggressively.
Mayor
Williams then asked Mr. Geers to come forward to provide an update and details
on snow removal. Mr. Geers reported that
as of 8:00pm this evening Public Works has been out for 24 hours straight
working 12-16 hour rotating shifts. We
started this with a total of four trucks, two of those were able to both plow
as well as spread salt, the other two are only equipped for one or the
other. Several hours into snow removal
one of the plows was damaged and repair or replacement is not readily
available. Public Works will be working
through the night tonight as well. We
have had a few complaints regarding plowing after residents have cleared out
their automobile. Unfortunately the only
way to address this situation and still clear the roads would be to declare a
snow emergency where all cars must be removed from the streets and any cars
remaining would be towed. Plowing in
cars is certainly not intentional but is often a no win situation. Altogether the Public Works department is
doing an excellent job with the equipment on hand.
L) OTHER REQUESTS TO ADDRESS COUNCIL
There
were no requests to address Council.
M)UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Mr. Moore mentioned that the West Norwood Neighborhood Association Meetings are now the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30pm at the Community Center.
Mr. Sanker commented that this is the last year for the temporary emergency levy. There have been some discussions about options to somehow replace the revenue generated by this levy and options for placing a renewal or new levy on the ballot and how these funds would be allocated. This tax generates approximately $1.2 Million and is definitely needed. We need these funds desperately as we are climbing out and making long ignored improvements. Mr. Sanker asked Council to share their ideas and encouraged residents to voice their opinions on all options and possibilities.
Mr. Moore added that one possibility that has been discussed would be to place a street repair levy on the ballot. We are in dire need of a street repair program and the revenue to fund such a program. Recent road work has been funded largely by grants; unfortunately we have more roads in need of repair than there are grants.
N) NEW BUSINESS
Mr.
Schneider mentioned that he attended the recent O.K.I. meeting where there was
significant discussion regarding western Cincinnati along the area of the
Anderson Ferry and a possible connector from Kentucky to Ohio in between the
Brent Spence and the I-275 bridge. While
this discussion was not particularly relevant to the City of Norwood, Mr.
Schneider said he would keep Council informed of future O.K.I. meetings and
discussions.
Mr.
Moore announced that on Thursday February 22nd, he and the Mayor
will conduct a LIVE call in show on Cable channel 24. All questions and concerned will be answered
and addressed.
Mr.
Schneider announced that the Norwood Knights of Columbus waffle breakfast will
be held on Sunday, February 19th from 9:30am to 11:00am at the Holy
Trinity Parish Hall.
O) COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Letter from
Mayor RE: Mayor’s Court Fines
On a motion from Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
2. Letter from
Mayor RE: Recreation Appointment
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to approve appointment. All members present voted YES.
3. Letter from
Mayor RE: TIRC Appointments
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to approve appointments. All members present voted YES.
4. Letter from Joe
Geers RE: New Garbage Rates
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
5. Letter from Tax
Department RE: Monthly Report for January
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
6. Letter from
Donnie Jones RE: Auditor’s Report for January
On a motion by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Barlow, it was moved that the letter be received and filed. All members present voted YES.
As amended, Council then considered the following item:
7. Letter from
Carri Town RE: Phase IIA of Linden Pointe
On a motion by Mr. Schneider, seconded by Mr. Mumper, it was moved that the letter be received and filed and to set Public Hearing for April 10, 2007. All members present voted YES.
P) EXCUSE ABSENT MEMBERS
On a
motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Schneider, it was moved to excuse the
absence of Ms. Kelly. All members
present voted YES.
P) ADJOURNMENT
On a motion by Mr. Mumper, seconded by Mr. Moore, it was moved to adjourn. All members present voted YES.
______________________________ ______________________________
J. Brian Mumper Jane
M. Grote
Clerk of Council President
of Council